Mahone Bay, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,064
-0.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,000/yr
Private dwellings
599

Mahone Bay population

How many people live in Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay is home to 1,064 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 43.5% identify as male and 56.5% as female.

Total population
1,064
-0.2% year-over-year change
Population density
341.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
43.5%
465
Female
56.5%
605
Value Percent
Male 465 43.5%
Female 605 56.5%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Mahone Bay is 54.2. Children under 15 make up 10.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 5.6% are 25 to 34, 8.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 40.6%.

Average age
54.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
7%
25 to 34
5.6%
35 to 44
8.4%
45 to 54
11.2%
55 to 64
16.4%
Over 65
40.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 115 10.8%
15 to 24 75 7%
25 to 34 60 5.6%
35 to 44 90 8.4%
45 to 54 120 11.2%
55 to 64 175 16.4%
Over 65 435 40.6%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Mahone Bay, 82.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 17.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
82.7%
Immigrants
17.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 835 82.7%
Immigrants 175 17.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2%
Non-minorities
98%
Value Percent
Minorities 20 2%
Non-minorities 990 98%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Mahone Bay
English
98%
French
1.5%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 995 98%
French 15 1.5%
English and French 5 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98% of people in Mahone Bay speak English as their primary language, 1.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Mahone Bay

A peek inside Mahone Bay households

Mahone Bay has 520 households, with an average of 1.9 people living in each. One-person households make up 42.3% of all homes, while 37.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 8.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
520
Average people per household
1.9
1 person
42.3%
2 persons
37.5%
3 persons
8.6%
4 persons
7.7%
5 or more persons
3.8%
Value Percent
1 person 220 42.3%
2 persons 195 37.5%
3 persons 45 8.6%
4 persons 40 7.7%
5 or more persons 20 3.8%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Mahone Bay

The housing landscape of Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay has a total of 599 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Mahone Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 19% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
599
Housing types
Single-detached homes
61.5%
Attached homes
38.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 320 61.5%
Attached homes 200 38.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
19%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
19.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 100 19%
2 or 3 bedrooms 325 61%
4 or more bedrooms 105 19.8%
Homes built since 2011
80

The age of buildings in Mahone Bay

About 49% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.6% went up in the 1960s, 1.9% in the 1970s, and 1.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.8% of homes were added, and 13.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 255 49%
Between 1946 and 1960 20 3.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 45 8.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 10 1.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 10 1.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 30 5.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 70 13.5%
After 2011 80 15.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mahone Bay occupancy rates

In Mahone Bay, there are 522 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.6% are owner-occupied and 32.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 77 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
522
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
32.4%
Owned households
67.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 170 32.4%
Owned households 355 67.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
77
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Mahone Bay, homeowners pay a median of $930 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,110. About 75.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$930
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,110
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
75.2%
≥30% on shelter
24.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 395 75.2%
≥30% on shelter 130 24.8%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay education at a glance

In Mahone Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.7% have completed high school and 4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 95 10.7%
High school diploma 245 27.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 35 4%
College diploma 165 18.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 35 4%
University degree 310 35%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Mahone Bay

How much people earn in Mahone Bay

In Mahone Bay, the median household income sits at $62,000, while the median after-tax household income is $54,000.

Median household income
$62,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$54,000/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Mahone Bay income by age

Young adults in Mahone Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $13,800, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $38,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $40,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,800, followed by $40,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $31,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 13,800
25 - 34 38,400
35 - 44 40,000
45 - 54 56,800
55 - 64 40,000
Over 65 31,800

Employment in Mahone Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Mahone Bay

In Mahone Bay, 400 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
400
Unemployment rate
10%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 2.5%
Business, finance and administration 30 7.6%
Natural and applied sciences 30 7.6%
Health 45 11.4%
Education, law, community and government services 65 16.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 45 11.4%
Sales and service 100 25.3%
Trades and transport 55 13.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 15 3.8%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Mahone Bay

How people get around in Mahone Bay

In Mahone Bay, the average commute is 17 minutes. The remaining 6.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
46.6%
15 to 29 minutes
36.2%
30 to 44 minutes
6.9%
45 to 59 minutes
3.4%
More than 60 minutes
6.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 135 46.6%
15 to 29 minutes 105 36.2%
30 to 44 minutes 20 6.9%
45 to 59 minutes 10 3.4%
More than 60 minutes 20 6.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 235 79.7%
By bicycle/by walking 40 13.6%
By other methods 20 6.8%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Mahone Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in Mahone Bay?

Mahone Bay has a population of 1,064, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Mahone Bay?  

Mahone Bay has a population density of 341.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Mahone Bay?

Mahone Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 43.5% males (465 residents)  
  • 56.5% females (605 residents)

What is the age distribution of Mahone Bay residents?  

The age distribution of Mahone Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 10.8% (115 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7% (75 residents)   
  • 25-34: 5.6% (60 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.4% (90 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.2% (120 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.4% (175 residents)   
  • Over 64: 40.6% (435 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Mahone Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Mahone Bay: 
  • 82.7% non-immigrants (835 residents)  
  • 17.3% immigrants (175 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Mahone Bay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Mahone Bay: 
  • English: 98% 
  • French: 1.5% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Mahone Bay?  

The typical household size in Mahone Bay is 1.9 people. 

What is the median household income in Mahone Bay?  

The median household income in Mahone Bay is $62,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Mahone Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Mahone Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 10.7% (95 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.7% (245 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4% (35 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.6% (165 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4% (35 residents) 
  • University degree: 35% (310 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Mahone Bay?  

The most common occupations in Mahone Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 11.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 7.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.5% 
  • Health: 11.4% 
  • Management: 2.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 0% 
  • Sales and service: 25.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 13.9% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025